Apostolic Succession

Apostolic succession is a term in Christianity for the belief that the spiritual authority has been uninterruptedly transmitted from the Apostles through the successive popes and bishops. It is the derivation of episcopal power in an unbroken line, a qualification believed by High Churchmen to be essential to the discharge of episcopal functions and the transmission of promised divine grace. The doctrine is taught by the Roman Catholic Church, however, the most Protestants deny it.